Show # 371 – Top Ten Walt Disney World Attraction Narrators

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TOPIC: Every Walt Disney World attraction takes us on a journey, and in many cases, the story is told, shared or experienced through a storyteller. It may be a voice from above, audio-animatronic character, or told through a Cast Member in character. This week, we’ll look at out Top Ten Attraction Narrators in Walt Disney World, and ask you to share your favorite as well.

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Ghost host is obviously a “no brainer.” Jean Shepherd in Carousel of Progress is another one. Pete Reneday in Country Bear Jamboree and in the TTA(RIP old narration). Love the Jungle Cruise narrators too.

When they had the countdown 1 2 3 at the beginning, I was sure they were both going to say SpaceShip Earth. That ride IS the narration. And like you, Trace, I kept thinking Tower of Terror would be on it. (Has Tim gotten the courage to ride it yet?)

I wrote the Celebrations mag Legends column on Paul Frees that Tim referenced when discussing the Ghost Host. While doing research, I found some fascinating sound clips of outtakes that Frees did when recording the dialog. Worth a listen!

The monorail was mentioned in the show and to this diehard Disney fan (29 consecutive years and counting) the monorail has always been one of my favorite attractions. In fact, it was my first in 1985 as I made my way to the Magic Kingdom for the first time. The voice work has always been important to me ever since. Jack Wagner is classic but Joe Hursh was, in my opinion, the ultimate when it comes to the voice of the monorail. A clear voice with some personality and excitement. I was sad when his voice was removed 2 years ago. The new voice lacks personality and has forced me to take the bus. Tom Kane sounds like a robot. I work in radio and the Narrators are important to me and the Monorail tops the list.

Spaceship Earth is my runner-up. I really enjoy the current version with Dame Judy Dench. More relaxed than past versions.

For me, the best narration is actually from the (voiceless) museum curator who set up the displays for Expedition Everest. The way the stories blend from reality to the fantasy of the Yeti easily makes the “long” line worth going through – possibly many times. I have had my wife shake her head at me as I waved people behind us to pass so that I can read the stories, look at the ripped up artifacts and marvel at the detail of the queue.

When I heard what the topic of the show was the first narrator that popped into my head was the ghost host from the Haunted Mansion too! That is one of the most iconic voices in all of WDW. I also love Jiminy Cricket from Wishes. The voice from Big Thunder Mountain is great too though he’s not really a “narrator.” There are just so many!

I’m surprised, like some other listeners, that Rod Serling did not make the list. I think the Tower of Terror is one of the most amazing experiences at Walt Disney World, and the actor that portrays Rod does the perfect job at transporting guests into the Twilight Zone. I also hate to disagree, but I always think Gary Sinese looks bored doing the narration for Mission Space. It looks as if he’s thinking, “I’m a big star, how did my agent talk me into doing this gig?”

SO excited about this Top Ten! Of course the Ghost Host is best, hands down, I think. The script and his vocal talents are outstanding. But a close second, for me, is the Jungle Cruise guide. This cast member has the ability to almost make or break my trip to MK, and that’s a lot of power! Kudos to the guide who can take the same puns, same ride, and make it new and different and funny every time!